The former boys swim coach at Staples High School was arrested Monday after police said he confessed to sexually assaulting two young girls for more than three years.

Jeffrey Schare, who had been coach of the Wreckers boys swim and dive team for seven years, faces multiple sex charges.

Students and staff at Staples High School, where Schare also taught math, were told in late November that he was leaving the school, but no reason was given reason other than "personal reasons."

Schare, 43, of Fairfield, began "grooming" the two girls when they were much younger, "promising favors such as food and sleep-overs as rewards for his deviant behavior," according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

He began touching the girls inappropriately, and the offenses progressed from there: "A behavior he readily admitted to his wife, was a lust for younger girls, an urge that he could no longer control," the affidavit sates.

Police said the older girl tried to fight off Schare off many times.

When informed of Schare's arrest by a reporter, Staples Athletic Director Marty Lisevick was surprised.

"Oh boy, I thought he resigned for personal reasons," Lisevick said. "He did a good job here."

But Schare received a mixed rating on the website "Rate My Teachers." "He is kind of weird," one student commented of Schare. "He like favored the girl students. He made it awkward." Another stated: "He always looks down girls' shirts and never shuts up."

Schare was charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of risk of injury to a minor and one count each of third-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree sexual assault and attempted third-degree sexual assault. Fairfield police Lt. James Perez said Schare's arrest came after a lengthy and thorough investigation.

"These are extremely serious allegations, especially because the victims are children," Perez said.

Schare's lawyer, John R. Gulash, said his client took a voluntary leave from the school system after being told of the investigation. He declined further comment.

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Police said both victims, who are now 12 and 8, are acquainted with Schare and attend school in Fairfield. The older girl complained to a counselor at her school.